Manley Stacey Civil War Letters

Camp Hayes
May 21st 1863

Dear Father

I received your letter of the 15th, yesterday, & was glad to hear things look so favorable, for your visit, & hope you now will get started in earnest. I do not know who will take Dreyers place, I know who is Lieut Greens choice.  Green says I am entitled to it. I am in a peculiar position now, if I am in the Color Guard, I have things a great deal easier, but if I thought there was a chance for Promotion, I should want to stay in the Co, so between the two, I hardly know what to do.

We had an awful time yesterday. In the morning we finished up the Breast Works, & in the afternoon at 4 PM we marched down to the Review Ground, & had a very hard Drill, then to wind up we charged Bayonets, down a Gully, through Brush, Sticks & all kinds of Rubbish. The Brush was so thick, only one man could get through at a time. After we had charged through here, twice, we Double Quicked it in to Camp. It was very hard, but I did it easier than before.

After we had got to Camp, the Col, Called for three cheers, for the Men that could Double Quick a mile, while the boys were cheering, his horse became frightened, & threw him off. After the 3 hours Drill, we had Dress Parade at 6,45 PM.

I will try & get a Pass, for Union Mills on Saturday, to meet you, all that would be necessary would be for the Col, to sign it, & that I could easily get. I do not think I should have much trouble in getting a pass for Washington. Charlie Cookingham, tried yesterday to get a pass for W. but the Col, told him he could not sign it for a day or two as we were under Marching Orders again. Some think that we shall get to the Front & some of the Militia take our place here, I am not much alarmed about this however Nor shall I care, if you only come down before we start. After your visit, I would rather go to the Front, than not. It would be easier for [us] as we would have a good deal less Drilling

I shall hope to see you here, on Saturday

Love to all

Manley